I M PA C T MMXXIII
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our faithful generosity has made it possible for people here in Colorado, around the country, and around the world to bump into Jesus and hear that
God loves them and they have hope and a future in Him. The following pages reflect a few of these stories – real people with real stories who call this place home finding salvation, healing, community and renewed purpose in the unique ways God uses Flatirons. The stories contained here are diverse, but there is one common theme for us all – we worship a God who is for us. Because of your generosity, your story is woven into the DNA of Flatirons.
Thank you for your investment in the kingdom. I can’t wait to continue to partner together with you to claim more and more of our world for Jesus.
Jim Burgen, Lead Pastor
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AT T E N D A N C E A N D S P I R I T U A L F O R M AT I O N
1,402 Total Baptisms
9,355 Average weekly in-person attendance
420 Average number of small groups
3,540 Average number of people in a small group
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A
failing liver and marriage are
Everything changed when Justin was
what brought Justin back
baptized on Easter in 2021. It’s as if this
to his home state of Colorado. Protective
next step of his faith was imperative to the
over her younger brother, Marni saw
challenging season he was about to enter.
that he was physically and mentally in a
Immediately after that Easter Sunday,
bad place. Although it was an extremely
Justin’s liver began to deteriorate rapidly.
difficult choice to make, Justin wanted
It became the norm for Justin to be so
to be alive for future milestones in his
tired he could barely stay awake during
children’s lives.
the day. Marni saw him wasting away
After Justin moved in with Marni and
before her eyes. His body began to turn
her husband, he began to attend Flatirons
yellow and he developed painful sores all
Aurora Campus with them. All of his life,
over. The doctors told him that if he didn’t
Justin has been outgoing, always busy
receive a transplant soon, he was going
doing something. He’s worked across
to die. The state of his health and future
multiple industries including oil fields,
became a waiting game. Every month
nursing homes, and lumber yards. It’s no
they would check his blood levels looking
surprise that when he started going to
for certain numbers that would bump
Flatirons he got involved by volunteering
him up on the donor list. Within that time
and attending a men’s group. The men in
he also had two separate endoscopic
his small group became the role models
retrograde
he had never had in his life. Finding this
(ERCP) surgeries that left him battling
community was essential. Growing up
pancreatitis afterward. He became a shell
with physical and mental disabilities,
of pain and agony.
Justin
wasn’t
always
understood
or
accepted. These men accepted him with open arms.
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cholangiopancreatography
During this whole time, Justin leaned on God and his community at Flatirons.
L E T YO U R FA I T H B E G R E AT E R WITH JUSTIN HASTINGS
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As things got worse, his faith became
and prayed for Justin. When they asked
greater. Things came to a head exactly
him if he was scared he replied, “No, God
one year later when Justin went to take
is with me.”
a nap after returning from Easter service. Waking up from his nap, he began to violently shake, a sign of dehydration. This happened often so Marni took him to the doctor for fluids to stabilize him. This time though, the doctors said Justin couldn’t leave. In addition to his liver, his kidneys were now failing. Everything became a chaotic blur all at once. Until
That night a random number called Marni’s cell phone. She didn’t recognize it and almost didn’t answer, but God nudged her.
The woman on the other end of the phone said “I’ve never been able to give good news to somebody this fast; we found a liver for your brother.”
Justin’s levels could be balanced, they would have to take him off the waiting list.
They rejoiced in this accelerated prayer
By the next day, his kidneys had adjusted
as Justin was prepped for surgery that
back to baseline levels. On that Tuesday,
Wednesday. The surgeon told Marni that
he was put on both transplant waitlists at
this could take up to 10 hours. She and all
the state and regional levels. The doctors
of her closest friends hunkered down for
told them it could be months to years
a long night in the waiting room. Two and
before he would get a call that there was
a half hours later, Marni got a call from the
a liver for him. What happened next can
doctor saying that it was over; everything
only be explained by the power of prayer
went perfectly and Justin had a new liver.
and God’s grace. Josh Sanchez, Aurora
What should have happened is not what
Campus Pastor, and other members of
God let happen. Isn’t it just like God to
Justin’s small group came to the hospital
have a miracle happen in a matter of a
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few days? From that Easter Sunday to the
has been able to dive back into Special
following Wednesday, God’s resurrection
Olympics, which is another pursuit he’s
power took place in Justin’s life.
actively involved in. He hasn’t missed a beat with his small group. The power
If you saw Justin now, you wouldn’t know everything he’s gone through in the last year. His recovery has been stellar and
of the community at Flatirons and its persistent prayer is the reason Justin is here today.
his body hasn’t rejected his liver once, which doctors say usually happens by now. His medical team says they’ve never seen someone recover so quickly. Justin
“We know this had to have been God.”
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NO BARS IN A NEW HOME WITH ADRIAN MARTINEZ
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F
or most people, home is a
viewed Him as Lord over his life. He’s been
house, apartment, or even a
in a myriad of car accidents, shot, stabbed in
person. For Adrian, it was a prison. Starting
one eye (which caused temporary blindness)
at the age of 9, he was sentenced to juvenile
has flatlined on multiple occasions, and had
detention. Not long after he turned 18, he
most of his left leg blown off, after which he
joined a gang and has spent most of his
was told he would never walk again. In each
adult life in and out of the prison system. A
of those situations, he knew God saved his
double homicide charge sent him to one of
life. Adrian says,
the most violent prisons in Colorado with an 18 year sentence. Adrian never stayed out of prison longer than two months at a time.
Adrian
was
serving
another
18-year
sentence at the Limon Correctional Facility when he felt deep within his spirit that
[For those who are career criminals], we can’t wait to go back home [to prison], when we get out. It’s like Disneyland when we’re on the outside. We ride all the rides as fast as we can because we know we’re gonna go back soon.”
something had to change. After a life of violence and crime, and learning that a fellow gangster had killed his nephew, he knew he wanted to get right because if he didn’t, it would only be a matter of time before he was a dead man. Gathering his crew together, he bravely decided to step
Adrian knew Jesus was his Savior, but never
down from the gang.
“The enemy wanted me in so many ways. But prayer saved me. God showed up every time.”
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At this point, Adrian was still in a wheelchair
Except this time, it felt like a church.
from being shot in the leg a year prior. His
Chairs
were
lined
up
and
volunteers
nickname was “The Hands” because he knew
walked around. A gigantic screen rolled
how to fight, and he fought well. Adrian had
down where the sermon was streamed.
always prioritized his physical health. Since
The music started and he could feel it in
he was wheelchair-bound, it was difficult
his chest. In this season of life, Adrian had
to maintain the level of fitness he once had.
felt extremely broken. A life of violence and
Members of Faith RXD—a Christian offshoot
injury had left him physically broken. His
of Crossfit—would come to the prison and
criminal record and choices left him mentally
help train inmates. They connected with
broken. A disconnect with God had left him
Adrian and created a specific program to
spiritually broken. A prayer he had prayed
help him walk again. One day he went to
recently went something like this, ‘God, how
train with the group in a gym he had never
are you going to help me bring the pieces
been to before. He instantly felt something
back together?’
different about the place. What he felt was Seconds later, Pastor Jim was on the
peace.
screen. Much to Adrian’s surprise, Flatirons “What is it about this place?” Adrian
was doing a series on brokenness. The
wondered. “There’s no blood crying out
sermon referred to the Japanese art of
from the walls.” His friend responded,
Kintsugi which means to “join with gold.” It’s
“Flatirons Church takes over this gym after
the practice of taking broken pottery pieces
our workouts every Saturday. You should
and fusing them back together with gold.
come to the next service.”
Adrian burst into tears. It was at that moment that he realized he needed to surrender his
Saturday
came
and
Adrian
once
again found himself in that same gym.
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life fully to Christ. In the months to follow, God began to show Adrian how to put the
pieces of his life back together. His heart was
personally engraved Bibles to inmates and
healed of the hatred he had always carried
leads Bible studies.
with him. This newfound freedom from his internal prison led Adrian to write a book and create a program called The Standard that teaches men how to live a life by God’s standards. He also helped create a program called Rebel’s Redemption, which distributes
Adrian is living proof that when you submit your life to Christ, everything changes. Five months ago, he was released from prison and is now in a halfway house in the Denver area. These past five months have been the
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hardest of his life, but for the first time, he
circle as he walked into the building, felt the
has hope for his future. He only served three
beat of the worship music in his chest, and
and a half years of an 18-year sentence and
looked around in awe and wonder. Prison is
is eligible for parole in two months. Shortly
no longer Adrian’s home. He has found his
after getting out, Adrian had the privilege
home in Christ, Flatirons, and his identity as
of experiencing Flatirons services in person.
a new creation.
From Limon to Lafayette, things came full
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Launched in August
2023 11 Students
Ages
18-24
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T
he
world
of
higher
Between
overwhelmingly
large
changing,
universities and six-figure student loans,
and Flatirons College is paving the
the next generation is hungry for a new
way to something different. Flatirons
way to experience college.
education
is
College is a newly accredited institution that has partnered with Southeastern University offering online classes with 8 different majors to choose from. Students can choose from ministry leadership to business to digital design. While the classes are currently online, the community is very much in person. Within the Lafayette Campus, The College has a
The dream of Flatirons College went from proposing the bold question of ‘what if’ to pioneering a class of 11 students starting this fall. The program is aimed to fulfill incoming students’ desire for a more curated and intimate academic experience.
Angie Wysocki, Flatirons
College Director, says,
dedicated space for students to learn and connect.
“Our mission is to connect people who are hungry for the Lord and leadership with an accredited college.”
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Financial strains aside, the current
Flatirons College exists because of
state of the world has only amplified
the generosity of the church to equip a
the mental health struggle many young
new generation to boldly live out their
adults face. Within the College alone, 6
faith, and carry on the legacy of Flatirons
of the 20 applicants have actively tried to
Church.
take their own lives. Flatirons College isn’t just about academic education, it’s a safe place to ask hard questions about living in a broken world while following Jesus
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Degree Programs AA General Education Associate of Ministerial Leadership BS in Ministerial Leadership – Biblical Studies Track BS in Ministerial Leadership – Christian Ministry Track BS in Ministerial Leadership – Pastoral Care and Counseling Track BS in Ministerial Leadership – Worship Ministries Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) BS in Digital Design & Media
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733 Students Attended Camp
369 Middle Schoolers
364 High Schoolers
277 Scholarships Provided
$138,500 In Scholarship Funds
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M Y P E O P L E , M Y P L AC E W I T H I Z A B E L L E TO R R E S
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I
zabelle has been calling Flatirons
He gave her battles she learned how to
her home away from home for 12
fight.
years. While she grew up in Kids Ministry, she didn’t take her faith into her own hands until her sophomore year of high school. At summer camp she was looking down across the auditorium of students worshiping and felt the strong presence of the Holy Spirit. She thought to herself, these are my people.
Earlier this year, Izabelle’s dad was injured,
which
prevented
him
from
being able to work. The financial burden that followed led to uncertainty about their living situation. Then Izabelle was dumped. To add to the heartache, her 15-year-old childhood dog passed away. All of this was piled on top of the normal
The most powerful thing about going to church has been the connection with her small group. Being able to walk with her leaders and other group members during the most foundational years of her life has given her a sense of community. Student Ministry has fostered an authentic
academic and athletic pressures of being a high school student. This season of life has made Izabelle the strongest she’s ever been. Despite all of this, she has peace that makes no sense. While she’s never gotten angry with God, she has been confused and heartbroken over her trials.
environment for deep, vulnerable talks. Feeling completely lost, she walked into Recently, Izabelle’s faith has been put to the test. She recalls asking God, “Make me strong. I don’t want to break down when every little thing comes at me.” So,
her small group sad and defeated. She didn’t feel the happiness she normally felt when she’d come into the room. Her youth group leaders listened as she lamented
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about everything. They ended up staying
for the opportunities she’s been given
late in the parking lot for an hour after the
even though it’s been a rough year.
group got out–speaking life over her and
Despite the uncertainty of the future, she
reminding her of what an inspiration she
has confidence that God has her back.
is to others.
Her experience at Flatirons has been unique, powerful, and unlike anything
She says, “If I didn’t have my small group, I would be questioning if God was even real.”
In the past, Izabelle spent most of her time in school trying to fit in. She never could. Now she doesn’t care what people think about her. She’s more concerned about what God thinks. As her senior year approaches, Izabelle feels content and secure in who she is. Gratitude overflows
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else. You can find her every Sunday, in the front row of the Student section singing her heart out and jumping for Jesus.
“My faith is really strong because of these people and this church. It’s the culmination of the last 12 years. This is home.”
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A NEW PERSPECTIVE WITH JUSTYNE ANDERSON
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J
ustyne considers herself one
grade, Justyne’s parents split up. After
of the OG’s when it comes to
the divorce, things got rough and for the
churchgoers at Flatirons. She attended
rest of that year, she and her mom lived
Student Ministry through middle and
in a homeless shelter. During that time
high school. Growing up in the church,
Justyne was afraid to let anyone know
she always knew that God loved her, but
about their living situation. For her, it was
she didn’t quite grasp what it all meant.
easier to pretend to be this perfect girl
As a kid, going to church felt more like it
who played sports and did other ‘normal’
was a fun place to hang with friends and
teenage things, rather than share what
less about having an encounter with the
was going on. She kept up that facade
Creator of the universe.
until college.
Yet, this created a foundation that she would find herself falling back on when things got tough. When she was in sixth
In her junior year of high school, Justyne’s mom urged her to get baptized. The following week was one of the worst
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weeks of Justyne’s life. Then, a few
everyone at the gym was a Christian and
months later her mom kicked her out of
attended Flatirons. She began to attend
the house forcing her to move across the
church with them; they took up two
country to live with her dad. In anger and
whole rows in the front of the auditorium!
confusion, she thought how dare you?
This connection made her hungry for
towards God and decided to step away.
more. That’s when she came across a
She lost touch with her faith community
post about the District, Flatirons College
and Flatirons.
Ministry, on Instagram. “A free meal for a broke college kid? Say no more!” She
After graduating high school, Justyne moved back to Colorado to attend college and was ready to dive back into the church she grew up in. This time it was different. She had grown and experienced life and was seeking a real relationship
rallied a few friends and walked through the campus doors, where she immediately felt welcome. She’s made so many friends and amazing connections, not only with people her age but also with District leaders. The rest is history.
with God. On the hunt for a new job,
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one of her friends connected her with a
Reflecting on her life, Justyne feels like
job at a local gym. To Justyne’s surprise,
she’s come out this stronger than she
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could have ever imagined, with God on
“It’s crazy to see the person I was in
her side. She’s found a place at District
middle and high school who was just
and has never felt more seen. This past
going to church for the social aspect
winter she decided to get baptized again.
mainly, compared to seeing myself now
The week that followed was a difficult
as someone who goes to District every
one. But instead of reacting like she did
week, goes to church every week, reads
when she was 16, she worshiped God and
their bible, listens to worship music in the
knew it was an attack from the enemy
car and screams it out because I can’t
because she stepped out in her faith.
hold it in.”
“When I showed up to District I immediately felt welcome. It felt like they chose to get to know me on a personal level.”
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A NEW DIRECTION WITH SHANE CURRY
S
hane took a leap of faith two
afternoon! It wasn’t until Shane showed
years ago and followed his
up at Flatirons Young Adults Vision Night
girlfriend out to Colorado. He applied to a
and saw his friend from the basketball
graduate program at CU Boulder and was
court. From then on they decided to start
accepted. A new life began out west as he
a small group together.
left his family, friends, and everything he had ever known behind. Once in Colorado, Shane and his girlfriend found Flatirons and started attending. God pushed him out of his comfort zone and he began connecting with other believers. One day, Shane was at the CU gym where he played
Everything seemed to be falling into place until Shane and his girlfriend ended their four-year relationship. Shane’s whole world was rocked. Completely shattered, he began to press into his faith and his men’s group. There were many days when he felt like he couldn’t breathe.
a pick-up game of basketball with another guy. They had fun and parted ways, and
When asked about the impact Flatirons
he didn’t think much of it again; just two
has had on Shane he said, “Life-changing
guys randomly playing basketball one
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would be an understatement. When we
not what Shane expected or needed, but
gather for our small group, walls come
finding this community was more than
down and we don’t need to pretend.
he could have asked for. Not only has
Whether you’re 10, 20, 50, or 80, you need
Flatirons Young Adults given him deep,
guys in your life who are walking with you
faith-filled friendships but he’s also grown
going through something similar.”
in his relationship with God. This journey has shattered his legalistic tendencies and
For
many
people,
developing
friendships and community post-college is a nearly impossible task. It’s easy to make friends in school where you see and
has taught him to trust in God’s plan for him. The trials will only get harder, but His faithfulness has given Shane a renewed sense of peace.
interact with them daily. Once that part of life ends, the constant opportunity to foster friends is lost. This season of life is
Looking years,
back
Shane
on
wouldn’t
the
past
have
two
thought
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this
is
where
he
would
have
his girlfriend and earning a PhD, but God
ended up. God told him to climb a
led him in a sweeter and deeper direction.
mountain with Him, even though he
Shane says,
couldn’t see the top. Shane thought the top of that mountain would be marrying
“God has used Flatirons to say ‘Hey, I got you and I have proven it to you.’ I can see how His promises have played out in my life.”
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GOD’S NOT DONE W I T H KY L E & KA L I FOST E R
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T
he first three years of Kyle
to become strained. Within a short amount
and Kali’s marriage have
of time, they got married, moved in
been anything but smooth. One month
together, and had their baby boy, Hayden.
after they started dating, Kali found out
Health
she was pregnant. Shortly after that, Kyle
and life problems came in full force.
problems,
money
problems,
proposed and they signed their marriage license. It didn’t take long for the marriage
But, “God wouldn’t let us separate,” says the couple.
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Growing up, Kyle didn’t have a
Shortly
after
he
began
attending,
positive model of marriage to look up to.
Flatirons Men’s Retreat was being held,
He never knew what real love looked like
and Kyle was sponsored to attend. He
and searched for it anywhere he could.
didn’t know anyone and felt vulnerable
Eventually, this search led to sex and porn
until he connected with Matt Judson,
addiction. Kyle became absent from Kali
the Longmont Campus Kids Ministry
and the kids. Infidelity caused the couple
Director. They became close and the
to stand in front of a judge ready to sign
retreat was unlike anything Kyle had ever
their divorce papers.
experienced.
During this time Kyle felt like he hit rock bottom. He found himself praying to God for the first time in a long time. He began going to therapy and the two decided to give their marriage another shot. Kali grew up coming to Flatirons and urged Kyle to attend. Though Kyle avoided going to Flatirons for a long time because he had a thing against big churches, he decided to take a leap of faith and try it out. The first time they attended service together, the message couldn’t have been more relevant to their situation. It was all about how to be a better husband and let God be at the center of marriage. Kyle
Things were still rocky between Kali and Kyle. Their decision to have an open marriage ushered in a new era of heartache and distrust. For a second time, they found themselves on the brink of divorce with papers filed. What happened next
was
truly
Kyle’s
rock
bottom.
Overwhelmed with guilt and shame one night, Kyle put his oldest son Atreyu to bed and wrote a note to Kali. He sat at the kitchen table with a loaded handgun. Seconds away from ending his life, Atreyu came down the stairs and asked for something to drink, not knowing that he had just saved his father’s life.
instantly fell in love with the place.
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This time around Kyle came to terms with the gravity of his addictions and
as well as an upcoming men’s integrity conference.
sought help. Their separation caused them to pursue each other as friends in a way they had never done before. They went back to church and the message couldn’t have been more relevant, again. The entire talk was about sex and porn addiction. “I felt like I was the only person in church that day,” says Kyle.
This past year, Kyle and Kali were baptized
together
and
everything
changed for both of them. Kyle is working on his addictions, Kali is working on her faith, and they’re both working on their marriage. “There are still plenty of bad days, but our struggles don’t end on this side of heaven. What makes a difference
Kyle reached out to Matt because he
is that they have a community in their
knew he couldn’t carry his burden any
corner and a God who loves them both
longer. Matt invited him to be a part of a
unconditionally.” Kyle and Kali are a
weekly small group with other men who
living testimony of “what God has joined
were also battling sex and porn addiction.
together, let no man separate.”
Kyle has plans to go to the Rocky Mountain Men’s Summit again this year,
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CHUR CH
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PLAN TIN G
N ETWO RK
$550,000 Given to Flatirons Church Planting Network in 2022
$125,000 Given to The Garden church in Surprise, AZ *Launched September 10, 2023
$25,000 Given to RU church in Tampa, FL *Launched September 10, 2023
$285,000 Distributed to seven church planters and church planting networks working in the United States and Serbia
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O U T R E AC H
$7,755,682 Given to support the work of local and international partner organizations and one-time gifts impacting our communities.
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A G LO B A L G O D WITH DUANE & SUSIE KNIGHT
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S
omething stirred in Duane
the church” says Duane. They had been
and Susie’s hearts after their
coming to Flatirons for about a year when
daughter came home soaking wet one
they felt led to give back to the church.
Sunday morning. Coming from Methodist
Serving together was important to them
and Catholic backgrounds, they couldn’t
to grow in their faith as a married couple.
believe their daughter had randomly
Having a deep love for children, they
gotten baptized at a church she had just
dove into Kids Ministry–it was chaotic but
started going to. Curiosity got the best
fulfilling.
of them and they decided to attend this so-called Flatirons Church their daughter spoke so highly of.
Their hearts were stirred once more when a message spoke about Flatirons International Outreach partner, Musana.
“I had never heard a preacher preach like that before. Once I got used to the smoke, lights, and ‘Stairway to Heaventype’ worship music, I fell in love with
In a different season of life, far in the future, they had hoped to serve on one of these trips, but God’s timing said otherwise. One day after serving in Kids
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Ministry, the two were approached by a fellow volunteer.
From then on, they were hooked. So much so that during that first year, they went on two more trips to visit Musana.
Their friend excitedly said, “You’d be perfect for the upcoming Musana trip! You should apply. No pressure, but the application is due tonight.”
Given the timing, they prayed on it and applied. What’s to lose, right? They thought nothing of it until they got a call back for an interview. To their surprise, Duane and Susie were told they had been approved to go on the short-term trip to Musana!
With this, Susie had come to a crossroads in her career. After 26 years, she no longer felt like she was fully invested in being a public school special education teacher. She prayed on it and decided to turn in her retirement papers, trusting in God’s plan and timing. That same week, a stateside job opened up with Musana. Susie knew this was the heavenly opportunity she prayed for. She applied and got the job! Now, Susie is Musana’s
Community
Engagement Coordinator, describing it as Immediately upon arrival in Uganda, they fell in love with the people. Flatirons
her ‘passion job’ and leads Come and See trips for Musana.
employs a ‘come and see’ approach with their trips, focusing less on doing and more on empowering the local community. The couple witnessed the Ugandan’s hearts for Jesus and their joy despite their lack of material wealth, which challenged Duane and Susie’s faith and perspectives on poverty.
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God’s hand and provision have been all over Duane and Susie’s journey with Flatirons. What started as a genuine curiosity for a different kind of church experience led them to an entire life revolving
around
Flatirons
and
the
church’s investment around the world.
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Between friendships, trips, volunteering
the U.S. and in Uganda, despite culture
opportunities, and small groups, they
and time zones. It makes me love Him
keep wading deeper into the community.
even more. I love how Flatirons and their global partners love people all over the
“Flatirons
and
their
international
world,” says Susie.
partners expanded our social and spiritual support network. God is the same here in
“Flatirons and their missions expanded our social and spiritual support network.”
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T H A N K YO U to all who joined us this year in our mission to bring the awesome life of Christ to people in a lost and broken world.
@FLATIRONSCHURCH FLATIRONSCHURCH.COM I N FO @ F L AT I R O N S C H U R C H .CO M
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*Numbers are representative of May 2022 - April 2023 *Stories written by Alisha Tysinger